Notch 28-7 win over Watchung Hills
By:Rudy Brandl
WARREN – Danny Phillips returned the opening kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown and the Hillsborough High football team never looked back in Friday night’s 28-7 victory at Watchung Hills.
Phillips scored on two four-yard runs later in the first half and Steve Hess hit paydirt on a 23-yard sprint in the third quarter as the Raiders raced to a 28-0 lead.
Hillsborough’s defense played its best game of the young season, recording five quarterback sacks while holding the Warriors scoreless until late in the fourth period. Defensive tackles Mark Amerman and Bob-o Dmuchowski led the line surge and pressure on the quarterback.
"We really challenged those guys to be big tonight," HHS head coach Rick Mantz said. "We knew we’d have to get pressure on the quarterback, because (Jeff) Bassman can throw the ball."
The Raiders never trailed thanks to Phillips, who carried nine times for 52 yards, all in the first half.
"I just saw a big hole," said Phillips, who credited blocks by Dmuchowski, Tony D’Amelio and Martin Kappner. "I can’t do it without my team."
The Raiders (1-3) will try to make it two in a row when they travel to North Hunterdon next Friday night. The Lions handed Watchung a 33-0 defeat a few weeks ago, so the HHS-North battle shapes up as an interesting matchup.
"We had to get that first win," Amerman said. "I think you’ll see a different team now."
For complete story on the Raiders’ first victory, see Thursday’s Hillsborough Beacon.

